Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admitted he jokingly wanted to “slap” Bukayo Saka after the winger missed a first-half penalty against Real Madrid, but lauded the youngster’s response in Arsenal’s thrilling 2-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Heading into the second leg with a comfortable 3-0 aggregate lead, the Gunners were handed an early opportunity to extend their advantage in the 13th minute. Saka stepped up to take the spot-kick but opted for a delicate Panenka-style attempt that was easily saved by Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
“I didn’t want to die but maybe I wanted to slap him,” Arteta said, reflecting on the miss.
“He made that decision, he was bold enough to do it and he missed. I was more concerned about the emotional part. What it could do for us.”
Saka, however, wasted no time in redeeming himself. The 22-year-old broke the deadlock with a confident lofted finish after receiving a well-timed pass from Mikel Merino, settling Arsenal’s nerves and reasserting their control in the tie.
Real Madrid responded almost immediately, with Vinicius Jr equalising just two minutes later. The Brazilian capitalised on a rare error from William Saliba to bring some hope back to the hosts.
Despite the pressure, Arsenal remained composed, and in stoppage time, Gabriel Martinelli put the tie beyond doubt. Latching onto another assist from Merino, the Brazilian forward sealed a 2-1 win on the night and a 5-1 aggregate triumph — securing Arsenal’s first UEFA Champions League semi-final berth since 2009.
Arteta was full of praise for Saka, particularly for his mental strength after the missed penalty.
“The personality he showed at his age, in the first time he played in this stadium, incredible,” Arteta said.
The victory also made Arsenal the first English club to win twice at the iconic Bernabeu stadium — a feat that further highlighted their growing European pedigree.
Arsenal will now prepare to face Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals, with the possibility of a final showdown against either Barcelona or Inter Milan.
